"Protect the Sea" Volunteer Organization Builds Network
David Tharp
The Nippon Foundation
The Nippon Foundation
"Clean, Safe, Bounteous Sea" is Group’s Motto
Indepth Articles
[Mar. 09, 2010]
A Japanese volunteer organization is establishing a nationwide information network with the specific purpose of protecting the coastline and ocean environment throughout the country.
The “Umimori” (Protect the Sea) group makes the point that Japan is surrounded on all sides by the sea, with 34,000 kilometers of coastline, and that this area needs to be kept clean, safe, and teeming with marine life.
“It’s up to each one of us,” says the group, “to put our strength together and protect the sea.”
“Umimori” is concerned that the marine and coastal environments are constantly under threat from garbage, as well as oil and chemical spills – all of which threaten ecological safety.
Another increasing problem is the poaching and smuggling of marine resources.
Therefore, “Umimori” has built a network of citizen groups which cooperate with regional environmental organizations, the Japan Coast Guard, and marine protection agencies, monitoring the country’s coastline.
The group passes along relevant observations and information to these organizations, provides workshops about ecological topics, gives environmental protection talks on radio and TV, and sponsors volunteer clean-ups along the coastline.
Umimori was established in 2003 with the financial support of The Nippon Foundation and the cooperation of the Japan Coast Guard, and is widening its activities throughout Japan, based on the concept that everyone is responsible for protecting the sea.
They publish a web magazine in Japanese, providing information and activities related to the marine environment, which can also be received by mobile phone or fax.
“Umimori”—Protect The Sea